Exploring the Mekong Delta on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City

The Mekong River ranks among the longest rivers globally. It winds its way through several countries before it reaches Vietnam to flow into the South China Sea. Exploring the Mekong Delta on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City can be a riveting experience.

As the river approaches the sea, it divides into various branches, creating an amazing landscape of canals and islands along the way, called the Mekong Delta. The delta boasts a complex network of rivers, swamps, and islands, creating a unique ecosystem that supports diverse flora and fauna.

This captivating region in southern Vietnam is filled with lush landscapes and extensive waterways, making it a prized tourist attraction that can be seen on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

To fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta, it is advisable to spend at least two to three days in the region. But we, like most tourists, decided to visit the delta on a day trip from HCMC.

Most day trips combine the Mekong Delta with the Cu Chi Tunnels, and all major online booking platforms like Viator.com, Klook.com and GetYourGuide.com offer a vast range of tours for you to pick from.

We opted for a Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh by Klook.com. The trip cost around USD 85 per person and included a pick up and drop off at the hotel.

Learn more about the Cu Chi Tunnels by clicking on the link below

The Mekong Delta was the last destination and also the most awaited one of our day trip.

The delta lies roughly 60 to 120 kilometres (37 to 75 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, with specific distances varying based on your destination in the delta. Popular entry points like My Tho and Ben Tre are about 70 kilometres (43 miles) away, making them convenient for day trips.

Travelling by car or bus typically takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can select a boat tour from Ho Chi Minh City, which provides a unique perspective of the delta as you navigate through its channels, often taking around three to four hours.

I'm sharing my experience of the Day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh, which will also give you a sense of what to expect on a typical day trip...

We were a motley group of about 20 tourists from various parts of the world. A motorboat took us over the choppy waters of the lusty Mekong River to a small island village in the delta region from the Cang Du Thuyen My Tho Ferry Terminal.

We were greeted by some local women and a warm cup of fresh Vietnamese lemon and honey tea with sweet banana chips.

We took a golf cart to a small local market for a lively music show hosted by local singers and musicians over some fresh tropical fruit. None of the performers will ask you for money, but donations and tips are welcome, of course!

You can walk around the village and do other common fun things, like playing with a massive python, if you will!!

We were then taken to a coconut factory. Visiting this factory was intriguing, as it gives the tourists an insight into how the local people have turned the naturally available resource of coconuts into a thriving business.

It was interesting to see how coconuts are processed and utilised in various ways. At the factory, you can witness everything from the making of coconut candy to oil production, and even sample some tasty treats.

The factory had other typical Vietnamese treats too, including snake wine. Most people in our group tasted it, but I couldn't even bring myself to take a picture of it, let alone drink it!

The highlight of this trip was a Sampan Boat Ride through the winding canals of the Mekong Delta. These traditional wooden boats are rowed mostly by the local women, and you get intimate views of the region's beauty as the boat gently glides through lush landscapes.

We came across local fishermen casting their nets, colourful floating markets filled with fresh produce, and villages that take you back in time.

This was the most beautiful part of the delta, the silence of nature, disrupted only by the rhythmic paddling of the boat. This boat ride lasted about 20 minutes, and then we were taken back to the point where we had started.

My tip for anyone visiting the delta region is to spend a day in the midst of all this beauty.

We did not have the time, but no trip to the Mekong Delta is complete without experiencing its lively floating markets. These markets embody delta life, where vendors sell fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts straight from their boats.

Many villages also provide homestays, allowing you to dive deeper into local culture and cuisine.

For me, the most noteworthy part of this entire trip was the way local Vietnamese people have given this entire region a touristy uplift, catering to the demands of tourists, but have still been able to retain their distinct identity.